Apparatus and methods for improved holder and guard

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to the improvement of holders and guards for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other items, such as lip gloss or hand sanitizer, which is configured to be easily attached to one object and removed, and attached to another object. The improved holder and guard is further configured to allow the writing instrument or stylus or other items to be accessed for its intended purpose without removing it from the holder apparatus, and can also incorporate a separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like, which is connected to the holder apparatus and can be worn by the user providing a second attachment location.

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/434,503, filed Dec. 15, 2016, and entitled “Hanging Holder”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for an improved pouch or holder and guard, and in particular, the present disclosure relates to the improvement of a holder apparatus used for holding a pen, a stylus or a similarly shaped cylindrical object, further configured to allow the holder apparatus to be attached to another object or accessory such as clothing, jewelry, a purse, a shirt pocket, or the like. The configuration of the holder apparatus allows it to be quickly and easily attached to the other object, removed and reattached to yet another object. The configuration of the holder apparatus allows the user to gain fast access to the item being held by the holder apparatus, and reduces or eliminates contact with the users clothing, thereby reducing the chance of ink leaking onto the users clothing. In an embodiment, the holder apparatus is configured to allow the user to utilize the object being held without removing the object from the holder. In another embodiment, the holder apparatus incorporates a separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like, which is connected to the holder apparatus and can be worn by the user providing a second attachment location.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Pens, pencils, styluses and other writing or indicating instruments, along with many other cylindrically shaped items in which the length is longer than the diameter of the item, such as lip gloss or a small bottle of hand cream, hand sanitizer or microbial soap, or mouthwash to name a few, are often needed quickly and are not available because they have been placed in out-of-reach locations such as briefcases, purses, pockets, etc. When needed, the individual must look for them in those locations and, quite often, they are mixed with other items that make the writing instrument difficult to find.

Additionally, if an individual places a writing instrument or a stylus or a bottle of hand sanitizer into a shirt pocket or a pants pocket, there is a chance that the item may leak resulting in a stain on the clothing. Even if there is no leak, the action of placing a pen or pencil into or taking it out of a pocket can wear out the clothing and leave ink or lead stains on the clothing.

A number of pen holder and guard designs and inventions have been used to attempt to reduce these shortcomings. For example. Chapman U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,752 discloses a holder for securely holding pens, pencils and other writing instruments, which attaches to a belt or waistband horizontally. The Chapman holder has a front part and a back part attached to each other to form a pocket, and the back part includes a flap which can be secured to the front part to close or cover the pocket.

Arnone U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/356,821, which pertains to a holder for pens and the like, discloses a device that attaches to clothing or fabric material, mainly a shirt, coat or automotive seatbelt strap. The device utilizes a free turning or pivoting disk approximately inch in diameter with hook, loop or magnetic material attached to the surface of the disk. As configured, a writing instrument or other lightweight item, with hook, loop or magnetic material applied to it, can be easily attached to the disk with the use of one hand and will automatically hang vertically.

Greenberg U.S. Pat. No. 2,415,208 discloses a pen and pencil guard and holder that provides an inexpensive, durable and practical pen and pencil holder for retaining a number of pens or pencils which will prevent pockets from becoming worn and will save clothing from being ink stained at the same time guarding the pens and pencils.

Spruill US patent application Ser. No. 14/077,341, which pertains to a writing instrument tether, discloses an attachment to the inside zipper of purses, handbags and backpacks, which allows easy access to a writing pen, and allows one to detach the pen as well as attach other objects such as a lighter, lip gloss, small flashlight, and car keys.

Additionally, the Kokuyo Pen Case is a slim style, nylon pen case that can hold one or more pens, zippers shut, and can standup on its own providing easier access to the pens. Further, the Cosmos EVA hard shell stylus, pen, pencil case holder can support multiple writing instruments and can be zippered shut.

However, each of these disclosures have disadvantages in their design that make it difficult to use in all situations in which a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item is needed quickly, while reducing or eliminating the problems that occur when the item leaks. For example, a number of these prior art devices are attached to the clothing, such as an attachment to a belt or by inserting the device into a pocket prior to inserting the writing instrument. Additionally, in a number of these prior art devices, the writing instrument or stylus must be removed completely from the device before using for its intended purpose.

As such, there is a need for an apparatus, system and methods for an improved hanging holder for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item in which the length is longer than the diameter of the item, that can be easily attached and removed from multiple objects, and in which the writing instrument or stylus or other item can be accessed for its intended purpose without removing it from the pouch apparatus, and in which a separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like, can be incorporated as connected to the hanging holder apparatus so that it can be worn by the user providing a second attachment location.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, in order to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings pertaining to holders and guards for items, such as lip gloss, writing instruments and styluses, the present invention pertains to an apparatus, system and methods for such an improved hanging holder. The disclosed and claimed invention comprises an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item in which the length is longer than the diameter of the item. The improved holder is configured to be easily attached to one object and removed, and attached to another object. The improved holder and guard is further configured to allow a secondary attachment location and that the item be accessed and used, such as a writing instrument or stylus, for its intended purpose without removing it from the holder apparatus.

As such, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item in which the length is longer than the diameter of the item. The improved holder and guard is cylindrically shaped to accept and secure most writing instruments and other similarly shaped items with a closed or mostly closed and tapered first end and an opened second end in which the item is inserted. For ease of reference purposes, the present disclosure will refer to the items as a writing instrument or stylus, with the understanding that other cylindrically shaped items, such as lip gloss, hand sanitizer and the like, are also included in the particular aspects of the invention.

The improved holder and guard can be made using many different materials without exceeding the scope of the invention. For example, the improved holder and guard can be made using a cotton or felt interior, to prevent any leaked ink from accessing clothing outside of the holder. The improved holder (inside and out) can also be made of nylon, polyester, rubber or any other pliable material that can be formed into the particular design shape described herein.

It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus that is configured to be quickly and easily attached to an object and then quickly and easily removed from that object, and quickly and easily attached to another object. The improved holder and guard contains an attachment device at the second end near the opening of the holder, such that the weight of the device will ensure that the writing side of the writing instrument points down in most resting positions. The attachment device may be a spring loaded clasp, which allows for quick and easy attachment or removal. However, a number of other attachment devices are contemplated, such as a safety pin, a hook and loop attachment system, a clip, rivets, stud, D-ring, jump ring, etc. As long as the attachment device can be connected to the holder at one end (possibly at a hole in the second end) and allow for the attachment device to be quickly and easily attached to a separate object, at the other end (of the attachment device).

Additionally, it is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item that is configured to allow the user to access and use the writing instrument or stylus or other items for its intended purpose without removing it from the improved holder. In doing so for example, the holder is configured with a small hole at the first end of the holder such that when the writing instrument or stylus is pushed or forced further into the holder, the writing end of the pen or pencil, or the indicating end of the stylus, pushes through the small hole in the holder and the user can utilize the writing instrument or stylus, while still secured in the holder.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item that is configured to be easily attached to one object and removed, and attached to another object. The improved holder and guard is further configured to allow the item to be accessed and used, such as a writing instrument or stylus, for its intended purpose without removing it from the holder apparatus, while also incorporating a separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like, which is connected to the holder and guard and can be worn by the user providing a second attachment location.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to the limit the disclosure, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the front side of an improved writing instrument and stylus holder and guard system comprising a holder and attachment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the back side of an improved writing instrument and stylus holder and guard system comprising a holder and attachment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front side of an improved writing instrument and stylus holder and guard system comprising a holder and attachment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an improved writing instrument and stylus holder and guard system comprising an attachment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an improved writing instrument and stylus holder and guard system comprising a holder and attachment device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar features in the various views, the present disclosure pertains to an improved holder and guard for writing instruments and styluses. The disclosed and claimed invention comprises an improved holder and guard for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus or other cylindrically shaped item, in which the length of the item is longer than the diameter of the item, which is configured with an attachment device to be easily attached to one object and removed, and attached to another object, and is further configured with an access hole to allow the writing instrument or stylus to be accessed for its intended purpose without removing it from the holder apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the disclosed and claimed invention further comprises a separate or integral chain, necklace, bracelet, or the like, that can be attached to the holder and guard and attached to a secondary location, for example around the user's neck or wrist, or connected to a purse or pocket, thereby creating a secondary connection of the holder and guard that may remain connected if the first location of connection is removed and the device being held is used for its intended purpose.

FIG. 1 shows the front side of an improved holder and guard 10 for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus 12 (see FIG. 3), or other cylindrically shaped item in which the length of the item is longer than the diameter of the item, as described in detail herein. The improved holder and guard 10 comprises a holder body 14, which is cylindrically shaped to accept and secure most writing instruments and other similarly shaped items, as described herein. The holder body 14 has a closed and tapered first end 16 and a round or semi-round, opened second end 18 in which the writing instrument is inserted. The holder body 14 can be made by using one single piece of material folded over to create a first edge 20 and a second edge 22. The first 20 and second 22 edges are adhered together at the long end 24. An attachment device 26 is affixed to the holder body 14 at the second end 18, and contains a clasping device 28 for attaching to external objects. The attachment device is configured to be attached to the improved holder and guard 10 in a number of ways, including a D-ring 27, which can be attached to the holder and guard 10 at the hole 31, and attached to the clasping device 28, either using an O-ring 29, or not. As described herein, other configurations can be used to attach or connect the clasping device 28 or the attachment device 26 to the holder and guard 10.

To create the holder body 14, the first edge 20 and the second edge 22 can be sewn, crimped, glued, heated or any other process that would allow the edges 20, 22 of the holder body 14 to remain affixed to each other. Additionally, the holder body 14 can be made as a single piece in the shape of the holder body 14 through a number of processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, milling, or any other process that creates a holder body 14 in the particular conical shape.

The holder body 14 of the improved holder and guard 10 can be made using many different materials without exceeding the scope of the invention. For example, the holder body 14 can be made using a cotton or felt interior 30 with a cotton, polyester or nylon exterior 32, to prevent any leaked ink or lead from accessing clothing outside of the holder and guard 10. The holder body 14 can also be made of nylon, rubber, plastic or any other pliable material (inside and/or outside) that can be formed into the design shape.

FIG. 2 shows the back side of an improved holder and guard 10 for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus 12, comprising the cylindrically shaped holder body 14, which is configured to accept and secure most writing instruments and styluses. From the back, the closed and tapered first end 16 is visible, and the back of the round or semi-round, opened second end 18 is visible. Also visible are the first edge 20 and the second edge 22, which are adhered together at the long end 24. The attachment device 26 is also visible and, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to the holder body 14 at the hole 31 using a D-ring 27 and an O-ring 29. Of course, many other ways are available for adhering or attaching the attachment device 26 to the holder body 14.

FIG. 3 shows the improved holder and guard 10 after accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus 12, in this case a pen 12. In use, the pen 12 is inserted, writing side first, into the open end 18 of the holder body 14. The pen 12 is then pushed further inside the holder body 14 until it reaches the inside of the first end 16, where it will sit securely. In the preferred embodiment, the top 34 of the pen 12 will not fit into the holder body 14, and can be seen extending out of the second end 18 of the holder body 14. If the pen 12 is of the type that has a button 36 for use in extending the writing portion 38 (see FIG. 5) of the pen 12, that button 36 will also be accessible at the second end 18 of the holder body 14. This will be useful if the user wishes to use the pen 12 while still secured in the body holder 14, as described below.

FIG. 3 also shows an alternative embodiment of the holder and guard 10, in which a separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like 33 is attached to the holder and guard 10 at the clasping device 28 of the attachment device 26. In doing so, the chain 33 can be placed over the user's neck, around the user's wrist, or through a belt loop or button hole, for example, as a second attachment location, such that when the clasping device 28 of the attachment device 26 of the holder and guard 10 is removed from the user's first attachment location (the user's pocket, belt loop, purse, etc.), the holder and guard 10 will still be attached to the user and can still be used for its intended purpose, such as writing, without removing the holder 10 from the second location (around the neck or wrist, or through a belt loop or button hole) and without removing the writing device 12 from the holder and guard 10.

FIG. 4 shows the attachment device 26 of the holder and guard 10. The attachment device 26 comprises the clasping device 28, along with a holder body attachment portion 40 and may contain an attachment interface 42 that is located between the holder body attachment portion 40 and the clasping device 28. The holder body attachment portion 40 can be a D-ring. O-ring, clip, rivet, hook and loop, or any portion (or combination thereof) 27, 29, that will affix the attachment device 26 to the holder body 14, and may be made of metal, plastic rubber or any material that will allow for it to be affixed. The holder body 14 may also comprise a hole 31 to facilitate attachment of the attachment device 26 to the holder body 14.

In doing so, the holder body 14 may comprise an attachment hole 44 for receiving the attachment device 26 in one of the manners described herein. Additionally, the attachment interface 42 may be as simple as a metal ring or as complex as a length of string or rope that can be extended and retracted to stretch the distance that the holder body 14 extends from the object to which it is attached (via the clasping device 28).

As described herein, the clasping device 28 allows the holder and guard 10 to be quickly and easily attached to an object and then quickly and easily removed from that object, and quickly and easily attached to another object. Further, the improved holder and guard 10 is configured such that when a pen 12 is secured into the holder body 14, the weight of the pen 12 and holder and guard 10 will ensure that the writing side of the writing instrument points down in most resting positions.

The clasping device 28 on the attachment device 26 may be a spring loaded clasp, which allows for quick and easy attachment or removal, although a number of other attachment devices are contemplated, such as a safety pin, a hook and loop attachment system, a clip, rivets, stud, D-ring, jump ring, etc., some or all of which may make use of the attachment hole 44 on the holder body 14. The holder and guard is configured so that the attachment device 26 can be connected to the holder body 14 at the second end 18 and allowing for the attachment device 26 to be quickly and easily attached to a separate object, at the other end of the attachment device 26. The separate object could be a piece of the user's clothing, such as a shirt or pants; it could be the user's briefcase or purse, or it could be a number of other objects depending on the size and configuration of the clasping device 28. There is no limit to the size of the clasping device 28 so there is no limit to where the holder and guard 10 can be attached.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the holder and guard 10 of the present invention in which an improved holder and guard 10 for accepting and securing a writing instrument or stylus 12 is also configured to allow the user to access and use the writing instrument or stylus 12 for its intended purpose without removing it from the improved holder body 14. In doing so, the holder body 14 is configured with a small hole 46 at the first end 16 of the holder body 14 such that when the writing instrument or stylus 12 is pushed or forced further into the holder body 14, the writing end 38 of the pen or pencil 12 or the indicating end 38 of the stylus 12, pushes through the small hole 46 in the holder body 14 and the user can utilize the writing instrument or stylus 12, while still secured in the holder body 14 of the holder and guard 10.

The user can grasp the holder and guard 10 at the holder body 14 while the pen 12 or other device is secured in the holder body 14. The user can then write with the pen 12 or indicate with the stylus 12 while the pen or stylus 12 is contained. Once complete, the user can merely release the holder body 14 and the holder and guard with the pen 12 will hang to the object to which it is attached.

Further, the user can utilize the separate chain, necklace, bracelet or the like 33 that can be attached to the holder and guard 10 at the clasping device 28 of the attachment device 26. By placing the chain 33 at a second attachment location as described herein, when the clasping device 28 of the attachment device 26 of the holder and guard 10 is removed from the attachment location, as described herein, the holder and guard 10 will still be attached to the user and can still be used for its intended purpose, without removing the holder 10 from the second location.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure which have been described are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present disclosure. Although numerous embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosed system and methods. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the claims of the apparatus, system and methods as disclosed herein. 

1. A holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item, comprising: a holder body, said holder body having a first end and a second end and having a generally cylindrical shape; said first end of said holder body being tapered and generally closed, said first end further comprising a small hole, said small hole being sized and configured to allow a portion of the cylindrically shaped item to pass through, and said second end of said holder containing a larger access hole, said access hole being of size and configuration such that said cylindrically shaped item can be placed inside said holder body, said; an attachment device, said attachment device is configured to be attached to said holder body at a first end, said attachment device having a clasping device at a second end, such that said clasping device can be attached to a first location; and a chain, said chain being configured to be attached to the attachment device at said clasping device, and attached at the other end to a second location; wherein said holder body can accept and securely support a cylindrically shaped item such that a portion of said cylindrically shaped item will pass through the small hole and provide access to the portion of said cylindrically shaped item outside of said holder body.
 2. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said cylindrically shaped item comprises a pen, pencil or other writing element.
 3. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said cylindrically shaped item comprises a stylus, a lip gloss, a lipstick, a liquid container.
 4. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 3 wherein said liquid container contains hand cream, hand sanitizer, antimicrobial soap or mouthwash.
 5. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said first location comprises a belt loop, a pocket or a purse.
 6. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said second location comprises around a person's neck, around a person's wrist, through a belt loop, or through a button hole.
 7. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said chain is a necklace or bracelet.
 8. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said attachment device comprises a D-ring and said clasping device.
 9. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 8 wherein said D-ring is attached to said holder body at a hole in said holder body, and said clasping device is attached to said D-ring.
 10. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 1 wherein said holder body is made from one of the following materials: cotton, felt, nylon, rubber, plastic or any combination thereof.
 11. A holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item, comprising: a holder body, said holder body having a first end and a second end and having a generally cylindrical shape; said first end of said holder body being tapered and generally closed, said first end further comprising a small hole, said small hole being sized and configured to allow a portion of the cylindrically shaped item to pass through, and said second end of said holder containing a larger access hole, said access hole being of size and configuration such that said cylindrically shaped item can be placed inside said holder body, said; and an attachment device, said attachment device is configured to be attached to said holder body at a first end, said attachment device having a clasping device at a second end, such that said clasping device can be attached to a first location; wherein said holder body can accept and securely support a cylindrically shaped item such that a portion of said cylindrically shaped item will pass through the small hole and provide access to the portion of said cylindrically shaped item outside of said holder body.
 12. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 11, further comprising a chain, said chain being configured to be attached to the attachment device at said clasping device, and attached at the other end to a second location.
 13. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said cylindrically shaped item comprises a pen, pencil or other writing element.
 14. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said cylindrically shaped item comprises a stylus, a lip gloss, a lipstick, a liquid container.
 15. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 14 wherein said liquid container contains hand cream, hand sanitizer, antimicrobial soap or mouthwash.
 16. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said first location comprises a belt loop, a pocket or a purse.
 17. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said second location comprises around a person's neck, around a person's wrist, through a belt loop, or through a button hole.
 18. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said chain is a necklace or bracelet.
 19. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 12 wherein said attachment device comprises a D-ring and said clasping device.
 20. The holder and guard for accepting and securing a cylindrically shaped item of claim 11 wherein said holder body is made from one of the following materials: cotton, felt, nylon, rubber, plastic or any combination thereof. 